In the NHL, size can be a significant advantage. While skill and speed are paramount, a larger player can be more physically imposing, win battles along the boards, and provide a greater net-front presence. Here are seven of the biggest NHL players making an impact on the game today:
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Matt Rempe (New York Rangers): Standing at 6'9" and weighing in at 261 lbs, Rempe is currently the tallest player in the NHL. Since entering the league in 2024, Rempe has made his presence known with his willingness to engage physically.
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Nikita Zadorov (Boston Bruins): At 6'7" and 255 pounds, Zadorov is known for his bone-crushing hits and physical play around the net. Throughout his NHL career, the veteran defenseman has averaged 226 hits per 82-game season and isn't afraid to drop the gloves.
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Elmer Soderblom (Detroit Red Wings): Soderblom, a towering forward at 6'8" and 247 pounds, brings a unique combination of size and skill to the Red Wings. Drafted in the sixth round in 2019, the young Swede impresses with his stickhandling and offensive abilities for a player of his stature.
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Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle Kraken): A mainstay on lists of the NHL's biggest players, Oleksiak stands 6'7" and weighs 252 pounds. The veteran defenseman uses his size to his advantage, delivering hits and blocking shots effectively. Oleksiak has dished out over 1200 hits and blocked over 800 shots in his NHL career.
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Aliaksei Protas (Washington Capitals): Protas is a sizable presence on the ice for the Capitals, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds.
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Anthony Stolarz (Toronto Maple Leafs): Stolarz, a 6'6" and 248-pound goaltender, has made his way to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stolarz's size and athleticism have made him a valuable asset.
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Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals): Ovechkin, while not the tallest at 6'3", is one of the strongest and most imposing players in the league, weighing in at 238 pounds. Known for his powerful shot and physical play, the 40 year old continues to dominate as one of the NHL's top goal scorers.
While these players stand out due to their size, many other large players contribute to their teams' success in the NHL. Size isn't everything, but these players demonstrate how it can be a significant asset in today's game.
